Central African Republic: The Crisis In Photos

18 May 2014

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic is a major test of WFP's abilities as a provider of food assistance. The continuing violence, the scale of the population displacement and logistical problems all pose significant challenges. Here are 12 photos that illustrate the different sides of the emergency and WFP's response.

Amid the violence that engulfed the capital of C.A.R. in December, thousands of people sought safety and shelter in makeshift camps such as this one near Bangui airport, where WFP organised frequent food distributions. Read Story

Ali, left, is one of many who lost family in the clashes. His father and brother were both killed. He and his wife Ashta are looking after his dead brother's daughter. Sheltering near a mosque, they rely on food assistance from WFP. See Photo Gallery

Getting food into C.A.R. is tricky. In February, it was necessary to airlift food supplies because it was too dangerous to bring them by road from Cameroon. WFP airlifted enough to feed 150,000 people for a month. Read Press Release

Children are among the hardest hit by the crisis. There's been a 62% increase in children hospitalised for malnutrition in one Bangui medical centre. This is Mupete, whose arm circumference is being measured for malnutrition. Read Story

A big factor in the food crisis is the virtual collapse of C.A.R.'s economy. Even when markets have food, few people have money to buy it. “It doesn’t get much worse than this,” said WFP Economist Arif Husain after visiting the country. Read Story

WFP head Ertharin Cousin went on a 2-day fact finding visit to C.A.R. in March. “The biggest danger stalking the young in C.A.R at the moment is malnutrition," she said, promising displaced people that they would not be forgotten. Read Blog

One result of the violence is the flight of many C.A.R. Muslims to neighbouring countries. As a result, families left behind, such as this one in the northern town of Bossangoa, are increasingly isolated. Read Story

More than 350,000 people have fled C.A.R., making the crisis a regional one. Among the refugees is this young woman and her two babies, who are receiving assistance from WFP in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Watch Video

Hunger can be eliminated in our lifetimes

This requires comprehensive efforts to ensure that every man, woman and child enjoy their Right to Adequate Food; women are empowered; priority is given to family farming; and food systems everywhere are sustainable and resilient.